NIA files case against ULFA in Guwahati

The National Investigation Agency has registered a case against the banned terror outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) at its Guwahati branch. The Indian Express had reported in September that the NIA registered a case after getting a nod from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to name a faction of the outfit which has refused to give up arms and its demand for sovereignty.

The agency has named top ULFA leader Paresh Baruah and others and will now investigate funding, arms supply, training of cadre and hideouts of the outfit. Besides Baruah, others identified include Nayan Medhi, chief of the armed wing and Drishti Rajkhowa a top ULFA leader. NIA officials held talks with the Assam police to identify Baruah’s involvement in terror activities. It is believed he operates from China and Burma.

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A senior MHA official said Baruah has already shown his intention by not coming forth for peace talks when most senior leaders have joined the peace process. The agency also plans to name Anup Chetia, who is currently being held by the Bangladesh government. Chetia will be soon deported to India into NIA custody.

Citing credible intelligence reports, a senior MHA official said ULFA has been raising funds and procuring arms. The open-ended case registered by the NIA will help the government identify assets and terror infrastructure of the outfit.